Are Rain Gutters Necessary in Florida?

February 26, 2021

Rain gutters are a huge asset during the rainy season, so it's no wonder that they are now a common addition in many Florida homes. For many outsiders, Florida is seen as warm and humid, but that hasn't stopped residents and business owners from installing rain gutters on their properties. When you hire a rain gutter installation service, your contractor makes sure that your rain gutters suit a set of conditions that are unique to your place of residence, so if you live in Florida there are things that you will have to look into in advance. Regardless, you can be sure that there'll be no money wasted when the result is a long-lasting, efficient rain guttering system to protect your home.

While it's true that Florida boasts a tropical climate that makes it a popular summer vacation spot, its rainy season tends to be long and unpredictable. Florida is far from impervious to extreme climatic changes, as shown by the numerous tropical storms recorded within its territory. Rainstorms are a constant occurrence between the months of May and October, and rainfalls can go on for hours, or even days, without letting up. Snowstorms are less common but not unheard of, and the winter season can be just as unrelenting when it comes to rains and strong winds.

Do I Really Need Rain Gutters?

If you live in the Florida area, chances are that you will need rain gutters for at least a good portion of the year to help you keep the rain at bay. Perhaps your situation is not as dire when compared to areas that get rain throughout the entire year, but in many cases, sudden downpours cause more damage than instances where the rain is constant yet slow-coming.

When it comes to residential installations, you can get away with gutters on the front and back of the house so, unless your roof slopes in every direction, it's not necessary for your guttering system to extend all around your entire house. Commercial or industrial buildings might call for larger gutters, but they are worth the investment when you're improving the lifespan of your property.

Some pesky problems you could avoid with a good rain guttering system in place:

• Structural damage. The water might stain your sidings and gradually rot away your house's roof and walls.
• The surge of mold, mildew, and pests on your foundations.
• Basemen flooding.
• Heavy roof damage that would lead to intense repairs.
• Leaks.
• Soil erosion.

There are some instances in which a house's layout does most of the dirty work without the assistance of a rain gutter (the roof overhang drives the water away from the foundations, the house is located on a slope that keeps the water from pooling on the soil, etc), but these advantages can only get you so far when you live in a primarily rainy climate.

Choosing Rain Gutters in Florida

Your rain gutter installer will always take your local climate into account while manufacturing and installing your gutters, but here's some information that will come in handy if you live in the Florida area:

• You should opt for a material that's capable of withstanding both intense downpours and the high temperatures that come with the summer heat. Copper and stainless steel are nearly indestructible and the sturdiest options available. Aluminum is also water-resistant and has the added benefit of being lightweight, which removes some of the hassle entailed in the gutter's installation and maintenance.


• Even though 5-inch gutters are a viable solution in many suburban houses, when your climate has bouts of sudden rainfalls, it might be best to go for a 6-inch gutter. A 7-inch gutter is another alternative for large homes and buildings.


• Be mindful of the placement of your downspouts. A standard practice is to have 20-30 feet between each downspout. While this works for most residential constructions, if your location has a particularly stormy weather you might need to add more downspouts to keep the rainwater moving without overflowing your gutters.


• Consider placing leaf guards on your gutters. You don't have to cover the entirety of your guttering system, but having guards in at least a portion of your gutters will reduce the chances of clogging while preventing spillage during heavy rainstorms.


• Discuss your warranty with your contractor. When you get a professional installation service, the risks of gutter damage are minimized, but a warranty might be a huge comfort if your weather gets too unpredictable during the rainy season. At least once a year, many parts of Florida suffer from weeks of uninterrupted rainstorms, and the combination of intense rainwater and strong winds might eventually put a dent on even the sturdiest structures. A good warranty might save you lots of repair expenses down the line.

If you need more specifications in relation to your county or your home's structural features, you can trust a professional rain gutter installer to help you. They could even come up with solutions for factors that you might have overlooked (local flora and fauna, pre-existing roof damage, etc).

If you're looking for a reliable installation company, look no further. Rain Gutters Solution guarantees the best service by the hand of seasoned rain guttering professionals. Call (305) 270-7779 or fill out the contact form on this website, and we'll be happy to tell you more about our methods, prices, and options available for residential and commercial gutters. Contact us today to set up an appointment.

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